The Capitals held an optional skate Saturday morning, on the heels of their decisive 6-0 win over the Blackhawks on Friday night. The Caps are back at Verizon Center on Sunday when they host the Philadelphia Flyers. Puck drop has been changed to 1:00PM.
OPTIONAL SKATE:
As mentioned, Saturday morning’s practice was optional, but was well attended. The only players who did not participate were Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie, John Carlson, Justin Williams and Marcus Johansson.
It’s an optional practice for the Capitals, but fairly well attended. No Carlson, first line, Williams, Johansson. Everyone else on the ice.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 14, 2017
With the Capitals having to play a back-to-back set on Sunday and Monday, look for Philipp Grubauer to get the start on Sunday against the Flyers, and Braden Holtby to get the start in Pittsburgh against the Penguins on Monday. Look for Taylor Chorney to get a game as well.
Photos from today’s practice can be seen here.
Barry Trotz after practice:
#Caps head coach Barry Trotz talks to the media after Saturday’s practice as the team gets ready for #CapsFlyers on Sunday. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/DUerhp2FFX
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2017
NEWS AND NOTES:
The Capitals will hold a pre-game ceremony Sunday against Philadelphia to honor Nicklas Backstrom for becoming the first player in franchise history to record 500 assists. During the ceremony, Backstrom will receive a special gift from the organization.
SHAVINGS:
- The Capitals have now won 8 straight games. Washington has outscored its opponents 35-11 during the winning streak and has allowed two goals or fewer in seven of the eight games.
- Since Dec. 31, the Capitals lead the NHL in wins (8), points (16), goals (35) and goal differential (+24).
- Washington has not allowed an even-strength goal since Jan. 3 against Toronto, a span of 309:14. In their last 19 games, the Capitals have posted a 15-2-2 record (12/5-1/13).
- Since getting pulled after one period against Toronto, Braden Holtby has gone 5-0-0 with a .60 GAA and a .978 save percentage.
DAILY CAPS LINKS:
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Caps 6, Hawks 0 (Mike Vogel)
Caps Bum Rush Hawks with Six-Pack Attack (Mike Vogel)
CAPITALS DAILY QUOTE:
Trotz cracked that if Beagle played in the Western Conference, he might have 50 goals. Dead.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 14, 2017
SCENES FROM KETTLER
An optional @MedStarHealth practice for the boys this morning. Great crowd at @KettlerIceplex to cheer on the squad. #CapsFlyers tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/hPyznR8Bhv
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 14, 2017
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Courage Caps, Washington Capitals team-issued branded hats and T-shirts, are now available. 100% of proceeds benefit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a nonprofit dedicated to the families of the fallen. Hats and T-shirts both cost $20 and will be available atWashCaps.com/Courage, team stores and at stands throughout Verizon Center during home games. For more information, click here.
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @NoVa_Caps
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